Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), through its partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), has strengthened seabird conservation efforts in the Eastern Cape by investing in critical infrastructure upgrades that have reduced SANCCOB's operating costs by more than 85%, while expanding environmental education initiatives that are inspiring young people to become custodians of the environment.
Since partnering with SANCCOB in 2024, IMSAf has refurbished the organisation's home pen facility and commissioned a solar power plant at its Cape Recife centre in 2025. Together, these investments have strengthened operational resilience, improved the care of permanent seabird residents and created long-term savings that directly support conservation efforts.
"Conservation is most effective when investment, education and partnerships work together," said Nandi Matomela, Department Executive: Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. "Our partnership with SANCCOB demonstrates how business can create lasting environmental impact. By investing in both conservation infrastructure today and environmental education for tomorrow, we are helping to protect our natural heritage for future generations."
The solar installation has significantly reduced SANCCOB's monthly electricity costs by more than 85%, enabling more funding to be directed towards seabird rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary care. As important indicators of ocean health, seabirds play a vital role in the resilience of South Africa's coastal ecosystems, making their protection essential for healthy marine environments.
"The strategic investment by Isuzu Motors South Africa has transformed our operational capabilities at Cape Recife," said Carl Havemann, Centre Manager at SANCCOB Gqeberha.
"The resident seabird enclosure refurbishment restored a critical environment for our permanent seabird patients, while the solar power investment has ensured uninterrupted operations despite regional power challenges. The savings generated have allowed us to redirect funding directly into conservation interventions that support seabird populations along our coastline."
Building on its conservation investment, IMSAf has also expanded its focus to environmental education, recognising that lasting environmental sustainability depends on informed and engaged future generations.
On 1 July 2026, 60 learners from De Vos Malan and Khulile Primary Schools participated in an environmental education programme at SANCCOB, where they gained first-hand insight into marine conservation, biodiversity protection and responsible waste management. The programme also featured a storytelling session by 11-year-old South African author Unarine Phaswana, whose passion for conservation inspired learners to recognise the important role they can play in protecting the environment.
Learners from De Vos Malan and Khulile Primary Schools, SANCCOB staff and volunteers participate in a coastal clean-up as part of Isuzu Motors South Africa's environmental education programme. The activity highlighted the importance of responsible waste management in protecting marine ecosystems and coastal biodiversity.
A second activation on 4 July 2026 brought together the children of Isuzu Motors South Africa employees at the company's Marine Drive facility for a family-focused environmental awareness programme. IMSAf employees and their children took part in coastal clean-up activities and interactive educational sessions that demonstrated the connection between responsible waste management, biodiversity conservation and healthy ecosystems.
An Isuzu Motors South Africa employee’s child, Azande Xesha (9 years old) explores SANCCOB's seabird conservation exhibition during an educational visit. Through interactive exhibits and educational activities, learners gained first-hand insight into the rescue, rehabilitation and protection of vulnerable seabird species.
As part of the initiative, employees also handed over collected bottle caps to SANCCOB for recycling, generating additional funding for the organisation's conservation and rehabilitation work while reinforcing practical lessons around responsible consumption, waste reduction and recycling.
Employees from Isuzu Motors South Africa handed over approximately 200 000 collected plastic bottle caps to SANCCOB for recycling. The initiative generates additional funding for seabird conservation while promoting responsible waste management and recycling. From left to right: Fundiswa Mahlanyana (IMSAf Department Executive: Corporate Planning), Athandiwe Lothoyi (IMSAf Environmental Engineer), SANCCOB educator, Sinovuyo Molten, Lumka Nyamela (IMSAf CSR Coordinator), and Nandi Matomela (IMSAf Department Executive: Corporate Affairs).
By combining strategic investment, conservation partnerships and environmental education, Isuzu Motors South Africa is helping to ensure that South Africa's unique coastal biodiversity, and the next generation committed to protecting it, continue to thrive.
For media queries and interview requests, please contact:
Nandi Matomela
Contact details: +27 76 833 5047 | [email protected]
Sharné Woods
Contact details: +27 76 785 5090 | [email protected]
About Isuzu Motors South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan, a global leader in commercial vehicles and diesel engine technology. ISUZU has maintained a presence in South Africa since 1964, with the introduction of its first commercial vehicles, followed by light commercial vehicles in 1972. Local production of ISUZU bakkies commenced in 1978, establishing a strong manufacturing heritage in South Africa.
Today, Isuzu Motors South Africa is a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial vehicles, bakkies, and SUVs, with a significant manufacturing footprint in Gqeberha and an expanding presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for durability, reliability, and customer-focused innovation, ISUZU continues to deliver mobility solutions that support businesses, communities, and economic growth. For more information on Isuzu products visit www.isuzu.co.za
